#SouthAmerica's scorching winter is decimating #crops and threatening lives

Story by Marina E. Franco, August 15, 2023

"This winter in South America has been one of the hottest on record, intensifying crises created over the last year by severe #droughts, #wildfires and #floods in some regions.

"Why it matters: Experts say the #Extremeweather is already threatening critical #biodiversity and the lives of millions in a region where many reside in slums or informal housing with little #infrastructure.

"Threat level: Much of the northern hemisphere has experienced deadly #heatwaves and weather disasters this summer. July was the hottest month on record.

"In South America, the 'hot' winter effect stems both from the El Niño phenomenon that warms ocean temperatures and from man-made #globalwarming says Alejandro Max Pastén, head of hydrological prediction at Paraguay's Weather Service.

"'What's being done so far to stem this is either not yet panning out or simply not enough, and the effects are increasingly plain to see,' adds Pastén, who also leads the atmospheric sciences department at Paraguay's Universidad Nacional de Asunción.

"Extreme weather has caused significant reductions in crops for local consumption and for exports, which contribute to many of South America's economies. For example, drought has slashed #Argentina's #soybean yields to the lowest in 24 years, threatening its status as world's largest exporter of #soybeanoil and meal.

"Increased and irregular #glacier melting has put lives and livelihoods in danger since many people depend on regular meltoff for drinking water and #agriculture. It is also used to supply #hydroelectric power generation, which could be affected as glacier water becomes more scarce.

"The World Meteorological Organization has warned that a diminished hydroelectric power supply is increasing demand for fossil fuels in a region that has 'major untapped potential for #renewable energy.'

"What's happening: Heat waves have hit several South American nations since July, the second month of winter. The average temperature in #BuenosAires in early August is 59°F — this year it's been 86°. Temperatures in #Chile hit 100° this month.

"#ExtremeHeat has worsened drought conditions and also made the region more prone to dangerous landslides when it rains.

"Parts of #Uruguay have been under a 'water emergency' since June because of drought, and that same month #Bolivia had a mix of drought, heavy rains and frost."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/other/south-america-s-scorching-winter-is-decimating-crops-and-threatening-lives/ar-AA1fjeWT

#ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis